WHAT IS VAT?
VAT (in Italian: IVA) is a value-added tax on goods and services and is part of the European Union’s value-added tax system. In some cases, travelers can get a VAT refund and this is a right for Extra-EU travelers. This refund does not cover services provided by hotels, restaurants, taxis or agencies.
IN WHAT CASE CAN I RECEIVE VAT REFUND?
> provided that you are a non-EU resident;
> provided that the goods purchased are intended for personal or family use only and are carried in your luggage;
> provided that the overall value of the goods purchased exceeds 154,94 Euro (VAT included);
> provided that the purchase is certified by an invoice. This invoice should include a description of the goods purchased, your personal information as well as the details of your passport or any other equivalent document;
> provided that  the goods leave EU territory by the end of the third month after the month that you bought them;
> provided that several specific customs formalities are complied with;
> provided that the invoice is returned to the Italian retailer within four months after the purchase was made, if Customs validation is manual stamp (rubber stamp).
WHEN CAN I ASK FOR VAT REFUND?
When you are leaving the EU, in the last EU country present your Passport, Tax Free Forms and unused purchases to Customs office for Customs validation, (if you intend to pack the purchased items into your check-in luggage, you must go to Customs BEFORE checking in). For Malpensa, Fiumicino and Venice airports go directly to the Refund desks/kiosks of VAT operators.
Once your Tax Free Form has been validated, the payment will be arranged in different ways (cash/credit card/digital wallet… depending of the possible VAT operators).
WHEN CAN I ASK FOR VAT REFUND?
> The refund can be made directly by the Italian retailer or by Global Blue, located in different places. 
> Several Tax Free companies are able to offer VAT cash refunds when the goods leave either Italian or EU territory (thus exonerating the passenger from having to return the invoice to the retailer). This procedure is facilitated at the major international airports or main border crossings. Most major department stores have Tax Free Refund offices.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
> The services provided by Tax Free companies imply the payment of a small administrative sum which is directly deducted from the amount of VAT refunded to the traveller.
> In the event of a traveller not receiving a VAT refund within a reasonable period of time, he or she should re-contact the Italian retailer or one of the aforementioned companies.
However, please note, VAT cannot be refunded directly by customs offices.
>> Check our Shopping Guide for further information on Shopping in Italy.
For more info: ADM-Agenzia delle Accise, Dogane e Monopoli.
